Do you have a topic that is an immediate deal breaker if a manga series you were already reading suddenly featured that topic, such that you would stop reading the series (even if it was "tastefully" done)? For example: religion, rape, etc.

Yukari wants nothing more than to make her parents happy by studying hard and getting into a good college. One afternoon, however, she is kidnapped by a group of self-styled fashion-obsessed artists who call themselves "Paradise Kiss." Yukari suddenly finds herself flung into the roller-coaster life of the fashion world, guided by George, art-snob extraordinaire. In a glamorous makeover of body, mind and soul, she is turned from a hapless bookworm into her friends' own exclusive clothing model.

In this manga we meet characters from Gokinjo Monogatari like Mikako (and her little sister, Miwako - she's in the "ParaKiss" group) and Arashi's father (only a poster, but still), as well as new characters like Isabella.

it was pretty good and the art was good too...the characters are soo unique but sometimes too unique to me that it made it too unrealistic.but the plotline was good and kept you wanting more.the ending was perfect! it showed that life won't always turn out to be what it looks like. very good.

First, what I thought of the manga. Good manga. Was fun to read. I was disappointed at the end. Sucks that two people who go so good together won't be together in the end. That's why sadly, it'll be going in the dustbin after this review.

Now, for people commenting. Notice what I DIDN'T say about the ending.

That's right, I didn't say it's "realistic". What is it with people? Why is it when a manga ends up happily, it's "unrealistic, typical, shoujo", but when it ends badly or sad it's "realistic!". Seriously. The way people talk, love never works out, people always die, or break up, or end up "best friends" (ie, the stupidest thing for a guy and a girl older than 19 to say).

I mean, you guys do know that love works out *gasp* sometimes right? Really, it does. I've seen and experienced it. It happens EVERY DAY. Jeebus. I don't know, maybe you guys seem to think that it makes you seem more mature saying it. Or maybe you just want to avoid saying "Yeah fscking awesome manga that made me feel, not really bad, but well blah, at the end, which honestly ruined the manga for me." Ah well. I think I might just go spam series/oneshots/1volumes with really happy endings saying "Man, the ending was SO REALISTIC".

This manga is wonderful. It's one of those that I can just read over and over again. The ending was realistic and fitting. Characters were all very well developed, and I could easily relate to them. The pacing and length of the story is also just about right. Highly recommended to anyone who is into josei or romance. The ending might not be everyone's cup of tea but the ride more than makes up for it.

Also, Ai Yazawa has an innate sense of style. If the storyline doesn't catch your interest, then the fashion definitely will!

I read ParaKiss only because of recommendations...I wasn't disappointed, not at all. Exactly a manga I would want to read once more (despite the fact that I hated it when George left Yukari, but then again, they weren't meant to be, I guess). The story was fantastic. I think it was really about Yukari breaking the conforming rules of society (you have to be a doctor/lawyer/engineer to earn some money, a job you can rely on, etc) - instead of choosing to go to college like her mother planned it for her, she chose a career in modelling. It was pretty cool how she stood up to her mother.

And of course, it was so realistic, esp. the whole things don't go as planned thing. All the situations were real - none of the ordinary shoujo fluff. And how can I forget the fashions of each individual??!?? It was so cool!!! I'm working on getting Miwako's look right!

I really liked this manga and will definitely read more of Yazawa's works someday. Meanwhile...READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T!!!!

i liked the manga! the art and fashion is amazing, the characters are cute and lovable, and the plot is good. of course the ending was somewhat sad....and i semi-dont like it either. this is manga, where you imagination runs wild and you can escape from reality....i dont want it to be REALISTIC!!!! but this is still a great manga, but it was kinda rushed. you should read this!

I guess considering how George's and Caroline's relationship went, that ending would end as it did, but it left me wanting more.Beautiful artwork, amazing culture shock, it has a great over-all appeal.Good for a laugh, if you're a goofy sap like me.

I could write a book on why I love parakiss (In fact, I got through about 2 paragraphs before my better judgement told me to quit while I'm behind, lol).

In tech terms, the art and fashion is amazing and it defies shoujo stereotypes with emotionally complex characters and the perfect plot (no matter what others may say about the ending, the ending made it what it is).

Simply put, it's the kind of manga you could read over and over. And it's so true to life that I've cried, laughed out loud, swooned, etc. every time I have read it over. Each time I finish it, I feel like I've discovered something new and insightful.

I was wondering for a long time should I read this or not because of its sad ending that many had complained about. Well, finally I read it...... yeah, I admit, it WAS kinda depressing, BUT after all, I really think that George cared a lot about Yukari (Caroline). So that makes me feel better, because I know it wasn't just a one-sided love. For me the ending was.. well let's just say it was okay. I would've wanted a different ending, but the manga was great anyway. *thumbs up*

ParaKiss has one of the most beautiful and bittersweet endings I have come across in reading any romance mangas. The artwork is absolutely fantastic, the development between the characters are done with just the right touch of emotions, enough romance to make your heart wince at the final ending but not overtly soppy. What I love most about this series are the characters, they are real and i think anyone who has read it can identified with them on some level; I also really like the styling of the characters! They really have a kickass wardrobe!!! Highly recommended !!

Paradise Kiss is a breathtaking manga. The ending - it was realistic, it was fitting and it was beautiful. It really does show cruel reality and how you sometimes have to let go to move on. I also love how the characters don't have completely defined personalities - like real life. It's not like some shoujo manga sterotypical heroine - instead we see layers of emotions, feelings that all contradict with one another strongly in the hero and heroine.